A solar company in Erie, CO works with technologies that obtain power from the sun. Such technologies are key to keeping the earth healthy, because they offer renewable ways of creating this energy. There are two main types of ways in which this energy is harvested: photovoltaics and thermal. The first converts the energy from the sun in current, while the second heats a fluid up.

How Does It Work?

The company works with a panel system, which is a device that makes alternative current. There are mechanisms within it that transform light into electric current. These mechanisms are known as photovoltaic cells, made from materials that are semiconductive. A single cell cannot possibly create enough energy for an entire household, which is why these cells are usually connected to create modules, which are larger units. These modules can also be connected to form arrays.

The output of these units is direct current, also known as DC, which is why an inverter is needed, to convert this current into AC, or alternating current. Battery storage systems may also be needed for storing, though this isn’t a necessity.  

Cells

The cells are where the sunlight is received, and converted into current, process known as photovoltaic effect. Thanks to the semiconductors, when the rays touch them, some of the atoms release electrons.

In addition to the semiconductor layers, the cells also contain a control film, which is quite light, a glass layer, two layers that encapsulate the rest, and a frame made out of aluminium. There are three types of cells: traditional, second-generation, made either with non silicon materials, or amorphous silicon, and third generation, made with non silicon materials. Some of these third generation cells use plastic lenses or mirrors to focus the light into a small piece of material.

Final Thoughts

Panels provided by companies in Erie, CO, are popular for a reason: not only are they more environmentally friendly, but they also help save money in the long run, both of which are great bonuses. At a household level, individuals may even actually get paid for putting some of the solar energy they create back into the grid. Of course, these sorts of systems can also be used on a bigger scale, where plenty of incentives are available to bring more of the great potential of the sunlight energy into industries. Indeed, this sort of energy is clean, not impacting the environment the way the classic methods of obtaining energy do. As such, one should at least try to inform themselves on the many benefits this sort of investment has.